Edmonton police say what started as a vehicle stop to check out a stolen licence plate has led to a major bust: they reveal more than 1,000 credit cards, thousands of electronic credit card numbers and equipment used to manufacture counterfeit credit cards were recovered late last month.
The investigation began after West Division officers stopped a vehicle on June 28th, and arrested several female and male occupants. Subsequent searches led police to a suite on 100th Avenue and 117th Street, where they say they found the computer equipment and tools necessary to make fake credit cards, identification and cheques.
There, officers say they uncovered over 1,000 credit cards in various stages of counterfeiting, 60 items purchased with stolen credit card data, and computer equipment that was allegedly stolen from a recent break and entry.
As a result of the investigation 22-year-old Brittany Erickson and 23-year-old Kristina Louise Dawson are both facing several charges, including possession of instruments of forgery, unauthorized use of credit card information and possession of property obtained by crime.
Erickson was also charged with the use and possession of a counterfeit credit card and use or trafficking of a forged or falsified credit card.
Stemming from the vehicle pullover, 31-year-old Andrew David Stuebing and 20-year-old Kyla Susanne Peters were charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, unlawful use of a counterfeit stamp, unlawful use of credit card data and possession of a controlled substance,
Officers say other suspects have been identified, and more charges are forthcoming.
-More to Follow
